What you need to know about the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, & Biphobia (IDAHOBIT)

Today, May 17, is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
Keep up with the latest in + news and politics.
IDAHOBIT is a decentralized observance, with organizations and individuals everywhere free to hold whatever kind of event they choose. It is managed by a coalition of activist groups, some regional and some organized around a certain issue.Numerous governments and other institutions have recognized the day, including the European Parliament and most United Nations agencies. Former President Joe Biden recognized it several times.
Related: These are the top 10 European countries for LGBTQ+ rights and travelRelated: What states are the most dangerous for LGBTQ+ people? Here are the worst 15
The day was first observed in 2004 "to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics," according to the IDAHOBIT website. It is now celebrated in countries around the world, both where queer rights flourish and even in places that are lacking protections for LGBTQ+ people.
May 17 was chosen because that was the date in 1990 when the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.
This year's theme is 'The power of communities.'
''The power of communities' reflects the diversity and richness within LGBTQIA+ communities, from the grassroots to the global, celebrating our varied and intersecting backgrounds, identities, and experiences. The theme for 2025 highlights the strength and resilience that emerges from our collective solidarity, recognising the contributions of human rights defenders, LGBTQIA+ civil society groups, allies, and millions of people in our communities who support human rights and collective liberation," organizers state on the website.
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Hamilton Spectator

9 hours ago

• Hamilton Spectator

‘It's the first place we've felt safe': Mississauga opens first dedicated refugee reception centre

Mississauga's first dedicated refugee reception centre officially opened its doors Friday, marking a shift from a hotel-based resettlement model to a purpose-built facility offering housing and integration services. The shelter is also intended for government-assisted refugees (GARs) — refugees resettled by the Canadian government who are identified as convention refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The Polycultural Reception House at 73 King St. W. will provide temporary housing, school enrolment support and employment assistance to newcomers, addressing a long-standing gap in Peel Region's refugee infrastructure. It will also provide a foundation for newcomers to transition into permanent housing. The site was first acquired in October 2024. Ever since the Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services (PICS) began welcoming GARs in January 2025, transitioning away from the hotel-based model. Adam Altmid, chair of PICS' board, said the transition was important. 'This is a more efficient way. It provides a service, it provides all the services in one location, as opposed to a hotel,' Altmid said. He also mentioned having one centre was more cost-effective. 'This new centre is our building, so we're not paying hotel rates to a private enterprise,' he said. At the opening, Mayor Carolyn Parrish said the centre would be a 'vital resource' for these refugees. 'As our city continues to grow, it's so important that we have the right supports in place,' she said. 'Ours is one of the most diverse cities in Canada and we're proud of that. People come here from all over the world to build new lives.' For families like Saraah Baha's, who fled Afghanistan via Pakistan before arriving in Canada on June 11, the centre has been a lifeline. 'It's the first place we've felt safe. The staff have been so kind so far and supportive,' said Baha. 'We're learning how to live in Canada here, with orientations and seminars.' She said her and her family also appreciate the assistance in finding permanent housing, which she said has been challenging so far. Another challenge has been filling out various immigration and health-related documents, with which PICS staff have helped. 'They just guide us with everything,' said Baha. The facility currently has 75 rooms. Depending on the room, each can hold up to three individuals, meaning the facility can hold up to approximately 200 people. It is a short-term facility, intended for an average stay time of three weeks. It aims to be the refugees' first stop from the airport. They provide health and clinical services, meals and mental health counselling, as well as orientations on culture shock, family needs, Canadian law and banking — among various other wraparound services. It also includes services to assist children in enrolling in local schools, while adults receive assistance navigating employment and language services. Razan Omar, the centre's resettlement program co-ordinator, said her favourite part about working there is simply having the opportunity to help others. 'When clients arrive, they're exhausted mentally and physically and so being able to provide that service — we really do set the foundation for successful resettlement,' she said. She mentioned the work is especially meaningful for her as she was once a new immigrant to Canada, and didn't receive the same level of care. 'So I feel like I'm doing it for everyone else like me who wasn't able to receive these services,' she said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

Boston Globe

2 days ago

• Boston Globe

A deadly race for food: Palestinians in Gaza risk harrowing journey day after day

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Associated Press

3 days ago

• Associated Press

Photos of Juneteenth celebrations commemorating end to slavery

Juneteenth celebrations took place across the U.S., commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Texas learned of their freedom. While long honored by Black Americans, the holiday has gained broader recognition since becoming a federal holiday in 2021 under President Joe Biden, who attended an event in Galveston, Texas, where Juneteenth began. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.